Jasper’s look of admiration flattered Daisy’s vanity, and she lowered her lids to hide her tenacious gaze.
“Gracious, Miss Meriwether. I wonder if your father knows what’s brewing under his roof. Seems a little harsh, don’t you think?”
Daisy struggled to stay calm and struck a nonchalant pose. “I understand, but please listen. If you do what I say, she will leave and then you will get your freedom back.”
Jasper chewed on the thought for a moment, then a wide, mischievous grin splashed across his face, outlining the grooves in his cheeks.
****
The Southern Pacific train screeched to a belching halt, drenched in gigantic plumes of smoke under a diaphanous sky. When the puffs cleared, Lily’s wide eyes drank in the scene.
Gilded plains mixed with verdant patches and tall trees rose to meet her. She thought of the grandeur spread before her and thought of a banquet table with exotic meals. In her wildest dreams, she had never imagined a land bathed in golden sunlight.
Quick steps took her off the steel car. She swung her carryall in cramped hands, and bit back a groan at the vigorous action. Her purse strings did not extend to the comforts of a Pullman carriage, and the trip had taken its toll. Her bones interlocked under a sore back, but she bore the discomfort without a murmur.
When she got off the train and stepped across the rails, delicious warmth enveloped her. She breathed in the scented air and smiled; it smelled fresh and full of promise.
The surroundings swirled in bursts of excited chatter as passengers surged back and forth. Lily did her best to get her bearings and moved with the crowd over uneven rails and dust-filled tracks. The one-floor station with a passenger platform stood as a solemn beacon, but Lily preferred the majestic outdoors.
She craned her neck to find a porter to ask for directions, and a voice spoke over her shoulder.
“Miss Barrington? Lily?”
The deep rumble reverberated around her, and Lily froze. When she turned, her eyes widened at the tall, good-looking stranger with a russet gaze. He wore his attire well, and it suited his muscular frame. Silence pounded in her ears and Lily struggled to find her tongue.
“Yes, my name is Lily Barrington.”
His eyes fell to the tattered carryall, and he plucked it out of her hands. “Jasper Wallace, son of Horton Wallace, at your esteemed service. Please follow me, Miss.”
Lily watched his powerful shoulders and confident strides blend into the parting crowd. She hesitated. Willow had sent a picture of her husband Joshua, and the resemblance to the Wallace family was undeniable. At least he wasn’t a highwayman or robber. Lily cringed at her wild imagination and bit her inner cheek. Stop your wild fancies!
“Today, Miss Barrington.”
His impatient call spurred her forward, and Lily bristled. She thought people of the West were supposed to have friendlier personalities, but then she groaned and chided herself. Judge not lest ye be judged.
She stumbled across the platform and spied his wrinkled frown when she got to the end. When he helped her into the one-horse buggy, she arranged her dress and kept silent. They drove off in a dust-filled blur, and Lily wondered what she had done to inspire such a frown.
She’s not what I imagined. Jasper struggled to get his thoughts back on track, and wondered why he felt out of sorts. To give himself time to come to terms with his newfound emotions, he kept an easy speed and allowed his guest to drink in the view.
The seasons of Riverside boasted an ever-changing canvas below cerulean skies and silvery clouds. In place of molten plains, burnt grass, and little rain, Riverside basked in winter’s dew, summer breezes and spring rain.
The town bustled as a temperance-minded neighbor to San Bernardino, and found its place among valleys and gentle, sloping hills. It had solid Republican folks, and no saloons to disturb the peace. Countless Revival-style homes dotted the scenic landscape with well-kept gardens, low fences, and pristine walkways.
“I love it. You are blessed to live in a fertile place. On the way here, I noticed a fair amount of brown sand, barren plains, and very few trees.”
Lily’s soft-spoken voice carried on the morning wind and tingled Jasper’s ear. He grunted at her comment and agreed in his mind. When he first saw her, he thought she was far too thin and lackluster for his taste. She had little in the way of a curvaceous figure, and her hair fell in drab lines—or at least the lines he could see tucked under her bonnet. But the lack of these attributes paled in comparison to the excitement on her heart-shaped face.
Her childlike glow was contagious. The joy that colored her cheeks resembled the moist petals of the morning rose. Her curiosity and sense of enchantment touched him. This was troubling, and he didn’t understand why he should care, so his thoughts returned to the plan he’d discussed with Daisy May: treat her as a leech.
When Lily craned her body and neck to an impossible degree, he wondered how she kept her balance. The comical sight filled him with laughter. “You’ll tumble out if you don’t watch yourself.”
She whirled with a muffled yelp and blinked. “Sorry. Too much excitement, I suppose. It’s so colorful here, Mr. Wallace! Tell me, what are those trees?”
He followed her gaze and explained, “Those are Bahia trees. Navel oranges. My family is part of this industry. Got a big plantation out of town. In the town itself, you will see rows and rows of the trees everywhere.”
“Your father must be happy to have your help with such important work.”
The statement struck Jasper on an odd note. Until that moment, he had never considered joining the family business. “I don’t work with my father.”
“Oh.” The tone carried an implied question, and he felt obliged to respond.
“He doesn’t want a stuffed shirt dandy helping him, I’m sure.”
She shook her head and blessed him with a heartfelt smile. “Nonsense. I am sure your father will be happy with your help. My sister Willow tells me it only takes a willing spirit. And the Bible taught me that anything is possible if you have faith.”
Jasper avoided an oncoming wagon with a family of four. She reads the Bible? Daisy May doesn’t even do that. “Makes sense, I suppose.”
When she turned back to the scenery, he scratched his head in wonder. There was more to Lily Barrington than met the eye. And he wanted to know more.
****
“You did what?”
Daisy May’s heart hammered in painful thumps. She shot Jasper a tight glance and directed him to the family parlor. Among the rustic furniture with carved oak handles and bright cushions, she examined his troubled face.
One flick of her wrist brought a solemn servant in pristine attire, and Daisy ordered refreshments. She pinned Jasper with a glare and demanded, “Explain how the plan went wrong. What did you do?”
He shrugged and replied, “She isn’t a terrible person. You should see how she gawks at everything with her saucer eyes. My mother loves her.”
Daisy shuddered at the curious note. Something had changed. Jasper appeared intrigued instead of offended. Curious instead of insulted.
She buried the virulent spite that clogged her veins and kept her innermost feelings in check. “Treat her as a leech, remember? What happened to the plan we discussed?”
Jasper threw back his head and glanced at the ceiling. He appeared fascinated with the laced pattern and intricate paneled design. “She wears her heart on her sleeve and cries at the drop of a spur. When she met my Pa, she sobbed all over him. Reminded me of a water trough.”
Daisy rose on shaking legs and wondered at the admiration in Jasper’s voice. Did he want her to whip up tears out of the blue? She knew how to keep her composure in polite company. “You will just have to try again. I am guessing your Pa is having a big feast tonight. Just ignore her. That can’t be too hard, right?”
Jasper closed his eyes and muttered, “Not sure. She can be hard to ignore.”
Daisy crushed her frustration and thanked her par
ents for her iron will. She recognized the danger of Jasper’s absentminded behavior, and her mind raced. Lost after one meeting? How was that possible?
If Jasper held fascination for the Barrington girl, he’d abandon Daisy on the spot. She couldn’t bear the thought. He was the only person she talked to—her only friend—and she planned to join their families together by becoming his wife. Surely no Easterner could thwart her plan.
Daisy took a deep breath and planted a come-hither look on her face. Her lashes fanned her cheeks, and she pouted. “Jasper, I am shocked at you. Can’t you do this one little thing for me?”
He turned to her in surprise. “I’m always doing things for you. Stop mumbling over nothing.”
Daisy gritted her teeth under a tight smile. The dense nature of men’s thoughts could be impossible to understand. “Just ignore her for a few days. Your father will think you’re not suitable. That will end the arrangement, and you’ll be free again.”
Jasper considered her plan, then he agreed with reluctance. “Okay, guess I can try. Now stop beating my ear to pieces and get me something to eat. I’m starved.”
Daisy released a pent-up breath and her shoulders sagged in relief. Whatever you say, darling.
****
Lily twirled in her primrose dress before the gilded frame mirror. It enhanced the curve of her waist and the highlights in her eyes. She hurried to finish dressing and arranged her hair in an elegant bun, then gathered her writing supplies together to send a letter to her sisters in Maine.
She couldn’t help but marvel at how much things had changed in one week. First, Willow couldn’t make the trip. Two of the orphans got sick with fever, and that kept her busy with their care. She had sent word to say she’d make the trip as soon as she could. This gave Lily the opportunity to consider her future; uppermost in her mind was Horton’s offer.
She had had a private meeting with the elder Wallace two nights after her arrival. He’d invited her to his study and laid out his plan with practical efficiency.
If it wasn’t for the flicker of pain in his eyes, Lily might have dismissed his words. As it was, she felt sorry for him, and wanted to show how much she appreciated his trust.
When they had met, he had spoken in a low, steady voice. At the forefront of his mind was his son’s future, and he shared his concerns with his guest.
“Jasper needs help. He’s a wastrel without a care in the world, sad as the words might sound. His best friend is Daisy May Meriwether. She’s not the woman for him, and she’ll never be. Always up to her neck in trouble and getting away with things by the skin of her teeth. I think she feels Jasper is a kindred spirit and gets him into more trouble than I can count. A stable life is what he needs—a solid home and a fine woman. Can you help me?”
Lily remembered silence and scattered thoughts. At first, she thought it was a cruel joke, and then she saw the depths of emotion in his gaze. “Mr. Wallace, I came to visit my sister, not to get married.”
Horton had brushed off her concerns with a wave. “Willow is the most levelheaded girl I know, and you’re her sister. You can help my son to become a better man. To have a sense of responsibility.”
When Lily stayed silent, Horton sighed. He formed a steeple with his hands and placed it under his chin. “Lily, I’ve considered this at length. As a father, I want my sons to find good women. I may not be the best matchmaker in the business, but I know good stock when I see it. You and your sisters are good stock, and I’d love to have you in this family.”
When she hesitated, Horton added, “Please think it over and let me know.”
Lily thought it over that night and accepted the following morning. She had planned to get married—albeit to a gentleman of fine upbringing—but she admitted a sense of excitement at the thought of joining her life to Jasper’s. She knew she wasn’t indifferent to his hooded glances and quick smiles.
After her decision, she did her best to catch Jasper’s eye, but the more she tried, the more she failed. He ignored her feeble attempts and refused to engage in conversation. As the silent treatment continued, he had lapsed into deep-ridged frowns at the mere sight of her tender smile.
After countless tries, Lily came up with another plan. She discussed it with his mother, Running Deer, who suggested that the two venture out for an afternoon outing. Jasper loved them, so Lily agreed with the idea and made plans to take Jasper to dinner, which would hopefully splash some cheer on his dour face.
****
Jasper crept downstairs and cast a wary eye around the premises. A quiet atmosphere invaded the lower floor, and he expelled a deep sigh. Peace and contentment. It felt good.
His stomach gurgled and reminded him of the lateness of the hour. Time for a morsel to eat. He rushed to the kitchen, but a shadow crossed his path and stopped him in his tracks. He hadn’t moved fast enough. Lily.
“Did you plan to avoid me forever?”
The hurt tone showed his subterfuge, and Jasper groaned. He should have scouted the terrain better. “I’m sorry, I didn’t see you there.”
A glimmer of hurt flashed in her eyes. “Is that why you’ve been hiding?”
Jasper relented and felt like a heel. He didn’t want to hurt her. She had such a fragile personality, and burst into tears at the least provocation.
At the sight of her bright eyes, he hurried to stave off the waterworks. “No, I planned to catch up on my studies. Thought I might join my father in his orange business.”
The waterworks evaporated, and joy spread across her face. Jasper bit his tongue and chided himself. The lie had slipped out without him realizing what he meant to say.
“That is wonderful news! I know he will be happy to have you join him.” She smiled and continued, “I have news of my own, Jasper: I wish to take you out for dinner tonight. There’s a lovely little place in town called Mabelle’s with lots of ferns and nice windows. Will you come with me?”
Jasper hoped he didn’t appear as shocked as he felt. “You want to take me to dinner?”
She blinked at the incredulous tone and her shoulders drooped. Tears clung to her lashes, and she mumbled, “I’m so sorry if I offended you by asking.”
Jasper tilted his head and did his best to hide a brief smile. Her constant wailing could put the rain to shame. “No, you didn’t offend me.”
When her gaze turned hopeful, he stepped closer and lowered his head, “I’ll go with you, and Mabelle’s is a great choice—I love her food. She’s known me since I was a boy; put me over her legs to swat my behind more times than I can count.”
Her giggles tugged her lips upward, and soon they both laughed over the thought.
“That must have been a sight. She must be a special person for your father to allow such a thing.”
Jasper grinned, his thoughts going back in time. “Oh yes. I think my Pa wanted to marry her, but my Ma got in the way once she came into the picture. One look at her and my Pa lost his mind—and his heart. He said the winter snow turned her hair into beautiful ebony waves when she rode across the molten plains to meet him.”
Lily sighed. “That sounds so nice. Do you write poetry?”
Jasper stepped back in stupefied disbelief. The woman must be daft. “Me? I couldn’t do that to save my life.”
She didn’t agree with his negative assessment, and her eyes sparkled. “I think you could write the most wonderful poetry, if you tried.”
“I don’t know about that, Lily. But I will go to Mabelle’s—”
“Let’s have a picnic sometime, too. Your father tells me the Santa Ana River is nice this time of year. We can prepare a basket.”
Jasper blinked in bemusement and tried not to be embarrassed. Two offers in one day? It had to be a record. “Sounds good.”
“Excellent.” She scampered away with a quick reminder over her shoulder: “Don’t forget to write a few lines of poetry. Can’t wait to read it!”
He mumbled an inane reply and continued to the kitchen. Poetry? Me? What an
idea! When his heart pounded with an unnatural rhythm, Jasper groaned. He didn’t understand why Lily affected him on such a level.
****
Mabelle’s inn offered a thrilling outing for Lily. With a wide grin, she allowed Jasper to lead her into the dining room with its lavish mahogany furnishings, crafted wall coverings, and tasteful lamps.
Elegant drapery framed the windows and bright potted plants graced the corners. The chatter of the patrons lent a cheerful air, and the curling scents tickled Lily’s nose. Her stomach rumbled, and she giggled. She couldn’t wait to indulge in a tasty dinner.
When they sat at a corner table draped in a rose print tablecloth with a view to the boardwalk, Lily arranged her dress. She wanted to be as comfortable as possible and enjoy the time spent with Jasper.
A furtive glance showed the admiration smoldering in his gaze, and she felt pleased to know her efforts had been successful. Her pale shoulders rose in a nice contrast to the navy-blue gown with a rounded neckline and V waist. The snow-white ribbons and lace that adorned the neck and edges added a delicate touch. Stray tendrils fell from the clever up-sweep intertwined with bright blue flowers, and her smile enhanced her glow.
When the maître d’ arrived with a menu, he flashed a smile brighter than the sun. He tipped an invisible hat and said, “Welcome to Mabelle’s, Mr. Wallace. Nice to see you here again, sir, and the lady…?”
Jasper introduced Lily with a lazy grin. “Miss Lily Barrington from the east. She’s visiting us until my sister-in-law comes to fetch her.”
The smile got broader. “That is wonderful news. Here’s the menu. I’ll bring a glass of water to get started, and please take your time.”
When he left them to choose their meal, Lily reached for her glass of water and took a deep gulp. She turned to Jasper and fanned in vigorous strokes to relieve the heat stinging her cheeks. “Do you recommend any meals in particular?”
Before could respond, the sound of a raised voice interrupted their pleasant evening. “Well now, what a surprise. Fancy meeting you here tonight.”
Annie: A Bride For The Farmhand - A Clean Historical Western Romance (Stewart House Brides Book 3) Page 84